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Southern Steam - The Westerham Branch [2 of 3]

SouthernRailwayFilms
The Westerham Valley Line was a 4 1/2 mile branch from Dunton Green (on the South Eastern Main Line) to Westerham in Kent which opened in 1881 and closed as a result of fierce competition from buses in 1961. An early preservation attempt failed, and much of the trackbed is now buried under the M25 London Orbital road. This film, made in 1961 on the eve of closure, begins at Dunton Green behind an H Class 0-4-4T and a push pull set. We proceed to Chevening Halt, Brasted Halt and the teminus at Westerham. In the next sequence, a 4EPB electric unit arrives at Dunton Green and we embark on another journey up the line. We call at Chevening Halt for a look around, and to witness trains in operation from the lineside. We then skip to Westerham for more views of this once extensive station complex. Next we see footage from the final days of operation, including L1 4-4-0 No. 31739 and Q1 0-6-0 No.33027 on entusiasts specials.